The dreams and projects of the so-called Information Society are founded on a utopic vision, essentially linked to European Modernity and particularly rooted in Bacon, Leibniz and other prominent philosophers. Some of the foundational utopic projects can even be traced back to the middle ages, as we can see in the works of Aquinas, Lull or Kues, but even further away to the sources of political philosophy in antiquity. In particular, Plato sowed the seeds of the utopic tradition whose latest leaves are the cyberutopias. However, despite all the used efforts and progress-oriented designs, dystopias are displayed, again and again, reflecting the dark, hidden and usually unnoticed side of the targeted hope, which in the current world generally gains the upper hand.
The lectures are intended to provide a critical perspective of the information society in order to understand its related historical development, pursued goals and problems arising from its deployment. The inquiry will provide an outlook on the historical development of political philosophy. Through colloquial discussions, students’ ability to defend critically their own viewpoints will be promoted. Additionally, by means of an interdisciplinary attitude (integrating aspects of scientific, technical and social concern) the student shall gain an interdisciplinary ability to integrate different focuses of social relevance to practical problems.
- Trainer/in: Jose Maria Diaz Nafria